Magnetically operated switch for ignition system



May 10, 1966 P. D. KRIKAC MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCH FOR IGNITIONSYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 20, 1961 f 8 I i INVENTOR. PAUL D.KRIKAC mmzw ATTORNEY y 1966 P. D. KRIKAC 3,250,955

MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCH FOR IGNITION SYSTEM Filed Nov. 20, 1961 2Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. PAUL D. KRIKA C ATTORNEY 'an improvedelectrical contact means.

United States Patent M 3,250,955 MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCH FORIGNITION SYSTEM Paul D. Krikac, Hawthorne, Califi, assignor to GeorgeKitakis, Hawthorne, Calif. Filed Nov. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 153,519 4Claims. (Cl. 315-214) This invention relates to an electrical switch.More particularly this invention relates to an improved proximityswitch.

Proximity switches are known in the art. An example is a reed typeswitch in which electrical contact is made between the reeds by theaction of a magnet placed near the switch. In order to maintain theswitch in the closed or electrical contact position in the absence of apermanent magnet, a holding relay or a holding circuit of some type isrequired. In such a case another electrical switch must be thrown orbroken in order to deactivate the relay or holding circuit before thereed switch will open. There is, hence, a need for an improved method ofoperating a reed or proximity switch.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide Another objectof this invention is to provide a novel proximity switch. It is also anobject to provide a switch which has a minimum of moving parts. Anotherobject of this invention is to provide an electrical contact switchwhich can be actuated by the means of a small magnetic field. Stillanother object is to provide an electrical contact switch which willstay in an electrically closed or open position as desired after theremoval of an actuating magnetic.

field. Still another object of this invention is to provide a switchwhich can be operated remotely. Still other objects will be apparentfrom the discussion which follows.

The above and other objects of this invention are accomplished by anelectrical contact means comprising in combination a magnet and adjacentthereto a first and a second electrical contact members positioned in anormally spaced-apart relationship wherein at least one of the contactmembers contains paramagnetic material and is mounted for movementtoward the other of said contact members in the presence of a magneticfield of a predetermined strength. The invention will be more readilyunderstood by a description with reference to the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of the novel switching means.

FIG. 2 is a view of a thermostatic application of the switch of thisinvention.

FIG. 3 is a view of another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of still another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a view taken along line S5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view of another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of still another embodiment of this invention.

Like elements in the diiferent figures are designated by the samenumeral or the same numeral primed.

In general, this invention comprises of a set of electrical contactmembers or means 1 and a magnet 2 adjacent thereto. At least one of thecontact members in this set contains paramagnetic material. Theelectrical contact means in FIG. 1 is shown as a reed switch having twoelectrical contact members 3 and 4 in the form of thin and narrow metalstrips containing magnetizable material such as soft iron, for example,but which does not become permanently magnetized. One end of each stripis normally disposed in spaced-apart Patented May 10, 1966 overlappingrelationship as shown in FIG. 2. The other end of each strip is fixedlymounted relative to one another. In FIGS. 1, 3, 6 and 7, the reeds 3 and4 are shown mounted at points 5 and 6 respectively in a glass envelope.The glass envelope is mounted on a suitable non-magnetic base 8 as ofplastic, rubber, ceramic, or other non-magnetic and non-conductivematerial. In FIG. 2 the electrical contact members 3 and 4 are mountedat points 5 and 6 respectively onto a suitable non-magnetic material,such as Lucite, Bakelite, Vinylite, or ceramic, etc., without a glassenvelope. The advantage of having the electrical contact members sealedin a nonmagnetic and electrically non-conducting container such Themagnet 2 is either a permanent magnet as shown in FIG. 1, or anelectromagnet and is positioned so that its magnetic attractive forceacts or tends to bring the two contact members into electrical contact.In the case of a reed switch as shown in FIG. 1, the magnet 2 ispositioned adjacent one of the electrical contact members intermediateits ends. The magnet is positioned in spaced apart relationship relativeto the movable paramagnetic material-containing electrical contactmember which it actuates, at a distance such that the attractive forcedue to the magnetic field of the magnet 2 is insufiicient to overcomethe biasing force which normally holds the electrical contact member 3in spaced-apart relationship relative to.contact member 4. However, thedistance is such that when the contact member 3 has been brought intoelectrical contact with member 4, the attractive force is suflicient tohold the members 3 and 4 in electrical contact. An adjusting screw 9,threaded through flange 10 which is attached to base 8, is eitherfixedly or rotatively attached to magnet 2. Adjustment of screw 9relative to flange 10, serves to move the mag net 2 and thereby vary thedistance between the magnet and the electrical contact member 3.

The magnet 2'in FIG. 1 has been marked to indicate that its north polein end 12 is adjacent the electrical contact member while the south poleis further removed therefrom. This, however, is for purposes ofillustration and example only, since the north and south pole positionsof the magnet can be reversed without attesting the operation of theswitch except in the manner described below. The magnet 2 need not beoriented in a perpendicular manner relative to the reed switch or anyelectrical contact member. The only requirement is that the magnet be sopositioned that its magnetic lines of force will act to hold the contactmembers in electrical contact once such contact has been established,but its lines of force will be insufiicient to bring the members intoelectrical contact when they are in a normally spacedapart relationship.It is to be understood that an electromagnet can be used in place of apermanent magnet wherever shown in the drawing or mentioned in thiswriting, it being understood that an electromagnet has the necessaryaccompanying electrical circuitry which is well known in the art.

An additional attractive force is required to bring the contact members3 and 4 into electriecal contact. This force is supplied by a second,permanent or electro-magnet 11 which is at least momentarily positionedso as to reinforce the action due to magnet 2 in bringing the members ofthe switch into electrical contact. In FIG. 1 the magnetic lines offorce of magnet 2, which is positioned adjacent to contact member 3, arereinforced by bringing to the vicinity thereof, a like .pole of a secondmagnet 511.

In the reed switch 1, where both contact members 3 and 4 containparamagnetic material such as soft iron or rhodium, the exact physicallocation of the like pole of magnet 11 relative to contact member 3 isnot critical, so long as the magnetic lines of force passing through thecontact members are reinforcing in nature. Magnetic lines of force passfrom the like poles adjacent to contact member 3 (which are North polesin FIG. 1), to the member 3. Then, as is well known in magnetic theory,some of the lines of force will pass along member 3 to the end 32thereof. When the contact members are in spaced-apart relationship, thelines of force pass through the gap between ends 32 and 33 and thencontinue along member 4. Since the members contain paramagneticmaterial, the ends 3-2 and 33 will be drawn together to eliminate thegap and bring about electrical contact.

When an unlike pole of magnet v1'1 is brought into the vicinity of thecontact members, the magnet 11 must be positioned so as to reinforce thelines of force from magnet 2 that pass through the contact members inorder that the free ends thereof be brought together. One such locationis indicated in dotted outline at 11' except that the N and S poleswould be the reverse of that shown in FIG. 1. It will be noted that inthis position, magnet 11' is adjacent contact member 4. Hence, magneticlines of force pass from pole N of magnet 2, through the gap betweenmagnet 2 and contact members 3, along member 3, through the gap betweenends 32 and 33 of contact members 3 and 4 (at the area of overlap whenthe members are not in electrical contact as shown in FIG. 2, for

example)- along contact member 4, through the gap between contact member4 and pole S of magnet 11'. Since the contact members containparamagnetic material, the free, overlapping ends thereof will be drawntogether bringing the reeds 3 and 4 into electrical contact with eachother as explained above.

In FIG. 1 the magnets are both shown to be positioned on the bottom sideof the switch .1. This, however, is for ease of illustration only sinceeither of the two magnets can be placed at any location about theelectrical contact member in question, provided that the polarity of theend of the magnet nearest the contact member is as describedhereinabove. An example of another position of the second magnet, isthat shown to be occupied by electromagnet 13 in FIG. 7. The strengthand position of the second magnet 13, or 1 1, or 11.1 with polesreversed, whether it be an electromagnet or a permanent magnet, are suchas to bring members 3 and 4 into electrical contact with one another.The strength of magnet 2 is suflicient to maintain the contact membersin electrical contact upon removal or deactivation of the second magnet13, or 11, or 1-1" with poles reversed.

Once electrical contact has been established between members 3 and 4,the second magnet can be removed and magnet 2 Will hold the members inelectrical contact as above. If the second magnet is a permanent magnet,it is physically removed from a position where it can reinforce theattractive force of magnet 2. If the second magnet is an electro-magnet,it need only be deactivated by interrupting the associated electricalcircuitry. I

To break the electrical contact between members 3 and 4, it is onlynecessary to remove magnet 2 from the vicinity of the electricalcontacts. In the case where magnet 2 is an electromagnet, it can bedeactivated without removal. An embodiment of this invention, however,is to place a second magnet adjacent the electrical contact members in aposition and orientation such that its magnetic lines of forcecounteract the attractive force between the free ends 32 and 33 due tothe magnetic lines of force of the first magnet 2. When the force due tothe second magnet is sufiiciently high to counteract at least a part ofthe force of the first magnet, the electrical contact is broken, since,when the attractive force between the conor sustain electrical contactbetween the members, while -tact members due to magnet 2 issubstantially nullified,

the contact members 3 and 4 return to their neutral positions whereintheir free ends are in spaced-apart relationship. The attractive forcebetween members 3 and 4 due to magnet 2 is counteracted by the presenceof a magnet of opposite polarity adjacent contact member 3. Thus, amagnet in the position of magnet 11 but with N and S poles reversedwould counteract the attractive force between member 3 and 4 due tomagnet 2 and the electrical contact between the members would be broken.Since the second magnet can be placed in any radial location about themember under consideration, magnet 13 in FIG. 7 with a South poleadjacent contact member 3 would result in the return of the contactmember to an electrically open circuit position since the magnetic linesof force would pass from the N pole of one magnet to the S pole of theother without passing from member 3 to member 4 through the gap betweenend 32 and 33. Alternatively, the presence of a magnet in the positionshown for magnet 11 with the N pole adjacent contact member 4, wouldresult in a separation of the contact members. In the latter case, themagnetic lines of force from magnet 2 would pass through contact member3 towards contact member 4, while the lines of force from a like pole inmagnet 11 would pass through contact member 4 towards contact member 3.Since like poles repel, there would be no attractive lines of forcepassing from end 32 to end 33 or vice versa to hold the contact memberstogether in the overlapping area. In fact, there would be a repellingforce causing the contact members to separate and thus break electricalcontact. Like magnets 11 or 13,

magnet 11' can be positioned in any radial location around .Thus, magnet11 can be readily positioned adjacent contact member 3 or contact member4 by an appropriate movement of the end 15, which holds the magnet. Theholder 14 can be handled manually in order to position magnet 11adjacent the desired contact member.

An embodiment of this invention is to pivotally mount that end of theholding member 14 (not shown), which is opposite the end 15, so that end15 can readily be shifted from a position adjacent contact member 3 to aposition adjacent contact member 4 or vice versa. As explained above, ifthe poles adjacent the contact members, in magnets 2 and ill are alike,then a position of magnet 11 adjacent contact member-3 will bring abouta position of magnet I11 adjacent contact member 4 will bring about orsustain an electrically open circuit condition. If the N and S poles ofmagnet Il l are reversed so that the ends of the magnets 2 and 111adjacent the contact members are of unlike polarity, then the presenceof magnet '11 adjacent contact member 3 results in a separation of thecontact members, while on the other hand, the presence of magnet 1'1with the S pole adjacent contact member 4 results in the formation orretention of electrical contact between the members, as explained above.

In FIG. 1, the fixed base 5 of the electrical contact member 3 isconnected in series to conductors 16, .17, [18, a source of electricalcurrent -19, conductors 20, 21, 22, a load 23 such as a light bulb,conductor 24, and fixed base 6 of electrical contact member 4. Whencontact members 3 and 4 are in electrical contact, current flows throughthe load .23. If the load is a light bulb, the flow of current will beevidenced by a lighting up of the bulb. When the electrical contactbetween members 3 and 4 is broken, the light will go out.

In FIG. 7, the coil 25 which actuates electromagnet 13 is connected inseries with conductors 26, 27, 17, 18, source of current 19, conductors20, 2 1, 28, 29, contact switch 30 and conductor 3'1. 7 The source ofpower for electromagnet 13 is shown as battery 19 for convenience light23 lights up.

i of illustration only, and is not limiting since the electromagnet canhave a separate power supply.

To illustrate the operation of the above described switch, consider thecase where the electrical contact points '32 and 33 (free ends ofmembers 3 and 4 respectively) are initially in a spaced apartrelationship,

that is the switch 1 is open. Magnet 2 is positioned adjacent member 3in a manner and at a distance such that the magnetic attraction betweenends 32 and 33 due to the line of force passing from contact member 3 tocontact member 4 is not sufficient to pull member 3 toward member 4, butis nevertheless sufiicient to hold the members in contact once suchcontact has been established. An operator next manipulates holder 14having magnet 11 mounted in the end thereof, so as to either (1) bring apole of magnet 11, which is alike to the pole in end 12 of magnet 2,adjacent to member 3 or (2) bring a pole of magnet 11, which is themagnetic opposite of the pole in end 12 of magnet 2, adjacent to member4. Then, as explained above ends 32 and 33 of members 3 and 4 will makeelectrical contact and Holder 14 is next removed from vicinity ofcontact members 3 and 4. Magnet 2 holds member 3 in electrical contactwith member 4 and current continues to flow through light bulb 23. It isto be noted that the source of current can be 110 volt line currentavailable in any home or industrial structure, and bulb 23 can be anordinary light bulb or an electroluminescent light which, for example,can be mounted over the switch '1 and magnet 2. In the'latter case, theswitch 1 can be actuated by bringing magnet 1 1 to the vicinity of theproper member 3 or 4 but on the side of the electroluminescent lightpanel further removed from the switch 1. To break the electrical contactbetween ends 32 and '33, and thereby extinguish the light, a magneticpole in end 15 of the holder 14, unlike the pole in end 12 of magnet 2,is brought adjacent to member 3. Alternatively, a magnetic pole in end15 of the holder 14, having the same polarity as the end 12 of magnet 2,is brought adjacent to member 4 and the electrical contact betweenmembers *3 and 4 is broken.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, switch 30 is closed so as to causethe electromagnet to be actuated in a manner such that the magnetic polethereof adjacent member 3 will be of opposite polarity to the pole inend 12 of magnet 2. The attractive force due to lines of force frommagnet 2 between members 3 and 4 are thus counteracted and members 3 and4 returns to their normal spring-biased position, breaking contactbetween ends 3'2 and 33. As a consequence thereof, the light goes out.It is to be understood that the electromagnet can be positioned adjacentmember '3 or adjacent member 4, and with a selection of the properpolarity at its ends as discussed above, electrical contact between ends32 and 33 can be interrupted. A permanent magnet positioned in place ofthe electromagnet functions in the same manner to interrupt theelectrical contact.

The strength of the second magnet (magnet 1i1 or 13), is such that whenused to close the switch, its lines of force when added to the lines offorce of the first magnet (magnet 2) that pass from one contact memberto the other, the combined lines of force result in an attractive forcebetween the contact members sufficient to bring the movable ends intoelectrical contact. When the second magnet is used to break electricalcontact between the contact members, it is brought sufliciently close tothe appropriate contact member to counteract the attractive forcebetween the contact members due to the first magnet. However, the secondmagnet is not so strong nor is it brought so closely to the contactmembers that its lines of force, though opposed'to those of the firstmagnet, would be sufficient'in themselves to hold the contact members inelectrical contact. The size and strength of either the first or thesecond magnet depends on the biasing force that keeps the contactmembers in a normally spaced-apart relationship and the distance thatthe magnet is positioned from the contact members. In the case of a reedswitch of the type shown in FIG. 1 in which the reeds, made of rhodium,are sealed in a glass envelope in an atmosphere of nitrogen at apressure of substantially 25 :5 p.s.i.g.; having a pull incharacteristic of about 64-150 amp. turns, and a drop out of 40-60% ofpull in, it is found that a rod-shaped magnet 1 inch long and inch indiameter, made of alnico, positioned at a distance of from about inch toabout inch from one of the reeds, Will not by itself bring aboutelectrical contact between the reeds contact members. A second magnet ofsubstantially equal magnetic strength of the first magnet (magnets offrom A to 10 times or more of the strength of the first magnet workequally well) when employed as explained above, can result in either themaking or breaking of electrical contact between the reeds.

A plurality of switches and accompanying lights of the type shown inFIG. 1 can be set up to illuminate sections of an instruction chart. Theholder 14 can be used by an instructor to close selected ones of theplurality of switches and thus illuminate, with either conventional orelectroluminescent lights, selected sections of the chart. Deactivatingelectromagnets 13 for each switch 1 as shown in FIG. 7, can be connectedto a common switch so that the closing of the common switch by theinstructor causes an electromagnet 13 to be actuated in each of theplurality of switch units, extinguishing all the lights simultaneously.In like manner, actuating magnet 11 for each switch can be aneletcromagnet connected to a common switch for closing electricalcontacts 32 and 33 in each of the plurality of switches and thusilluminating all the lights. Electromagnet 13 can serve the lastdescribed function by merely having its porality reversed.

An embodiment of this invention is to adjust magnet 2 in FIG. 7 to sucha position relative to eletcrical contact member 3 that the attractionbetween members 3 and 4 due to the lines of force from magnet 2, whenreinforced by the magnetic lines of force in the earths field, will besufiicient to bring contact member 3 into electrical contact with member4. The electrical contact can then be broken by activating magnet 13with the proper end polarity. Upon deactivating the electromagnet,electrical contact will again be established if the earths magneticlines of force continue to reinforce the lines of force due to magnet 2.It will be readily seen that this provides a new form of compass. Whenthe Northseeking pole of the magnet 2 is in end 12 and its magneticlines of force passing through members 3 and 4 are reinforced by thelines of force of the earths magnetic field, the north seeking end ofmagnet 2 will be pointing substantially in a southerly direction. Apointer 96 can be attached to base 8 so as to point in a southerlydirection when the contact members are aligned in an east-west directionand end 12 of magnet 2 is pointing in a southerly direction. When thebase 8 is rotated so that the northseeking end of the magnet 2 ispointing in a northerly direction, the attractive force between thecontact mem bers due to the lines of force from magnet 2 will not bereinforced by the earths magnetic field and contact between points 32and 33 will remain broken after temporary activation of magnet 13. Now,when a light 23 is in the circuit of which the switch is a part, thelight will go on after each breaking of the circut when pointer 96 ispointing in a southerly direction and will remain extinguished aftereach breaking of the circuit by magnet 13 when the pointer 96 ispointing in a northerly direction. When fixed scale 97 is associatedwith rotating base 8, observations can be made as to the point on thescale indicated by pointer 96 at which the light (a) goes on followingeach circuit breaking by the use of magnet 13, and (b) stays out afterthe circuit is broken with the aid of magnet 13. In indication of truesouth can then be 7. made by determining the mid-point between (a) and(-b). The scale 97 can completely surround the rotating base 8. It is tobe noted that if the polarity of magnet 2 is reversed, the light will goon and off for each deactivation and activation of magnet 13 when thepointer 96 is pointing in a northerly direction.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of this invention in which aproximity switch 1' has its metal strips 3 and 4 fixedly mounted ontheir terminal ends 5' and 6' respectively to a suitable non-magneticbase 97. The

terminal leads 41 and 42 are connected to the base mountings 5' and 6'and lead to equipment to be actuated such as a heating unit, not shown.The magnet 2 is fixedly mounted on a non-magnetic arm 43 such as forexample Lucite, Bakelite, ebonite, etc. The arm is connected to atemperature responsive means 44wl1ich, in FIG. 2, is illustrated as abi-metallic spring which has its first end 45 connected to the arm 43and its second end 46 mounted on base 97. Guide means 98 and 99 aremounted on base 97 and serve to guide end 45 of the temperatureresponsive means as it moves with variation in temperature. The lattermeans serves to move the magnet from a position adjacent member 3 to aposition adjacent member 4 and vice versa. The magnet 11 of FIG. 2 isshown to have its south pole nearer the contact members of the switch.Therefore, when magnet 11' is adjacent contact member 3, the switch willbe open, and when magnet 11 is adjacent to contact member 4, the switchwill be closed. It is in this manner that the temperature responsivemember is used to control the switch 1 through the magnet to which it isoperatively connected. Although the magnets in FIG. 2 are illustrated aspermanent magnets this embodiment opeartes in the same manner when oneor both of the magnets are electromagnets.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the contact members 3 and 4 need not beenclosed in a glass envelope. The contact members and magnet(s) that aremounted on a base in this invention are mounted by any suitable meanssuch as clamps which can be of non-magnetic material or they can bemounted in depressions in the base and held in place by plastic, cement,mortar, plaster of Paris, etc. Alterntively, the contact members andmagnet(s) can be encapsulated in plastic such as phenolic resin, acrylicresins, alkyd resins, Bakelite, Lucite, phenol formaldehyde resins,polyethylene, etc.

Another embodiment of this invention is to replace the temperatureresponsive means with manual control means for moving the south pole'ofmagnet 11 from one position to another. This embodiment then provides asimple electrical switch, as for example an electrical wall switch.

FIG. 3 illustrates still another embodiment of this invention in whichthe combination of a proximity switch 1 and a magnet 2 is used as anordinary electrical switch. The magnet 2 is connected to one end of anarm 51 having its other end pivotally mounted so that the magnet 2 canbe moved toward the switch 1 or retracted from it. The retractedposition of magnet 2 is shown in dotted outline as 2'. A turn knob 52 isoperatively connected to arm 51 to facilitate manual movement of magnet2 toward, and away from, the switch 1. is brought sufficiently close toswitch 1, the electrical contact members will be brought together, andwhen the magnet is removed from the vicinity of the switch, as, forexample, the position indicated in dotted outline, the electricalcontact members return to their normal spacedapart position, therebybreaking the electrical contact.

Preferably the magnet is positioned so as to be adjacent electricalcontact member 3, when it is moved near to switch 1, so as to attractmember 3, toward electrical contact 4 or to permit the magnetic lines offorce to pass from member 3 to member 4 and draw the free ends together.The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is used as an When the magnet 2 ordinarylight switch, for example. The magnet 2 can, of course, be replaced byan electromagnet.

Another embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which amagnet 61 is manipulated in a plane substantially parallel to the.planeof movement of the electrical contact members 3 and 4. The midpointbetween the north and south poles of the magnet being substantivelyopposite the free ends 32 and 33 of the electrical contact members 3 and4. The magnet 61 is mounted for rotation by shaft 62. When the linejoining the north and south poles of the magnet 61 is substantiallyparallel with the direction of motion of the electrical contact members,the contact members are in their normal, spaced-apart position. When themagnet 61 is rotated by shaft 62, the contact members 3 and 4 will be inspaced-apart relationship when a line joining the north and south polesof the magnet is substantially parallel to the direction of motion ofthe members and will be in electrical contact when the line joining thepoles of the magnet is perpendicular to the direction of motion. Thus,the switch will repeatedly open and close as the magnet is rotated.

In FIG. 5 is shown a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. Therotatable shaft 62 is connected to a motor M which can be an internalcombustion engine or an electrical motor drawing power from anelectrical source, not shown. In one operation rotation of the magnet 61at 15,000 r.p.m. for a period of 28 hours, causing a counting circuit,not shown, connected across mounting points 5' and 6' to record50,400,000 cycles of the making and breaking of the circuit by theswitch members without failure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an adaption of this invention to an ignition systemfor an internal combustion engine. The rotor 71, mounted for rotation oncentral shaft 72, actuates contact member 73 through connecting arm 74.Each time one of the cam shoulders 75 passes arm 74, contact member 72is moved into electrical contact with member 76. An electrical currentthen flows from the source of potential B through the winding 77 ofelectromagnet or relay 78, conductors 79 and 80, electrical contactmembers 73 and 76 and conductor 81 to ground. When the electromagnet 78is actuated the contact members 3 and 4 of the switch 1 are closed. Oncethe cam shoulder 75 is past the arm 74 the contact between members 73and 76 is broken thereby deactivating electromagnet 78 and theelectrical contact in switch 1 is broken. Capacitor 82 is connectedacross contact members 73 and 76 in order to prevent sparking whenelectrical contact between the latter is broken. Capacitor 83 serves thesame purpose across switch 1.

When electrical contact is made between members 3 and 4 of switch 1,current flows from a source of potential B through conductor 84, aprimary coil in coil 85, conductor 86, contact members 4 and 3 of switch1 and conductor 87 to ground. The flow of current from the source ofpower through the primary of coil causes a current to flow through thesecondary induction coil of coil 85 and through conductors 88, 89 and90. Common conductor 90 has a plurality of switches 1" connected theretoby means of conductors 101 leading to one of the electrical contactmembers in each switch. A magnet 2 is mounted on the end of a rotatableshaft 91 with the plurality of switches 1" disposed in a circle aroundthe rotatable shaft. The shaft 91 is rotated by an actuating source, notshown. The plurality of switches 1" are so positioned about the rotatingmagnet 2 that the, magnet will bring about electrical contact betweenthe members 3" and 4" of each switch successively. In an alternateembodiment, each of the switches 1 and 1 can have a magnet adjacent toone of the contact members as in FIG. 1, together with means fordeactivation. Only one switch at a time has electrical contact betweenmembers 3" and 4" as one end of the rotating magnet 2 passes in thevicinity thereof. The closing of a predetermined switch 1 is coordinatedwith the closing of contact members 73 and 76 of switch 92 by a givenone of the cam shoulders 75. One of the contact members of each of theswitches 1" is connected to the common conduit 90 and the other contactmember is connected by conductor 93 to an electrode 94 in a spark plug95. The other electrode of the spark plug is connected to ground. Thesystem shown in FIG. 6 has two improved embodiments. The switch 92 takesthe place of the distributor points in the ignition system of anautomobile, for example. The current that flows from electricalpotential B is just sufficient to cause excessive sparking between thecontact points in switch 92. Consequently, switch '92 will notdeteriorate as rapidly as the distributor points now used in anautomobile and will not have to be replaced as often. In fact, switch 92can be made to last substantially the lifetime of the automobile. Aheavier current will flow through switch 1 from the source B However,this also will not be sufficient to cause as rapid a degeneration of thecontact points 3 and 4 as is presently the case in an automobileignition system. Even though replacement of switch 1 may be necessaryperiodically, retiming of the engine will not be necessary as is now thecase when points are replaced. This results in a saving of both time andmoney. The rotatingmagnet 2 will close a selected one of the switches 1"just prior to the closing of switch 1 by the electromagnet 78 and willkeep it closed as it rotates past it until switch 1 has opened again.Thus the high potential required for the spark plug 95 will only see onespark gap and that is the one in the spark plug, so that -no othercontact points will be subjectedto a high potential spark. The switch 1"together with the rotating magnet 2 will replace the rotor anddistributor in an ignition system. Presently a spark is required totraverse the space between the rotor and spark plug contact members in adistributor system of an automobile. Deterioration also occurs on thesecomponents and periodic replacement of parts is necessary. Since theelectrical contact in each one of the plurality of switches 1" will beclosed when the current from the coil is initiated, no spark burning ofswitch contact points is encountered. Satisfactory operation of anautomobile is obtained with the use of the invention described above inconjunction with FIG. 6.

The novel switching means of this invention can be used in computercircuits wherein data processing is accomplished with the aid of on-oifswitching means. The switching means of this invention, utilizing apermanent magnet for magnet 2, are insensitive to power failure. Theswitching means is substantially unaffected by changes in temperature orradiation from radioactive sources. The simplicity of the componentparts and low maintenance requirements make the switching meanseconomically attractive. Although this invention has been described andillustrated with reference to a magnet having one of its magnetic polesnearer to an electrical contact member, than the other of its poles,this is not to be taken as a limitation of the angle made by a linejoining the north and south poles of a magnet with a plane in which theelectrical contact member lies. For example, magnet 2 in FIG. 1, whetherit be a permanent magnet or an electrical magne-t,-can be placed in aposition which is parallel to one of the electrical reeds 3 or 4. If themagnetic lines of force of the magnet are of sufiicient strength, thereeds 3 and 4 will come into electrical contact. This is the case inconnection with the description relating to FIGS. 4 and 5. A preferredembodiment is to use a first magnet of insufiicient magnetic lines offorce to bring the reeds into electrical contact so that a second magnetis necessary to accomplish this. An especially preferred embodiment ofthis invention is to position the first magnet so that both of itsmagnetic poles are to one side of the area where thereeds or othercontact members come into electrical contact. For example, in FIG. 1,both magnetic poles of the first magnet 2 are to one side of a planetaken substantially normal to the contact members and placed so as tosubstantially bisect the overlapping area of the two contact members. Aswitch of this invention in which the first magnet is parallel to thecontact members of a reed switch, operates as well as a switch in whichthe magnet is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis ofthe contact members. The second magnet also performs satisfactorily whenit is moved in the vicinity of the contact members and of the firstmagnet in a manner such that the line joining the north and south 'polesof the second magnet is likewise parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe reed contact members. The only requirement is that the magneticlines of force of the two magnets be reinforcing in order to bring theelectrical contact members together, or opposing in order to permit thebiasing or restoring force of the individual contact members to bringabout a separation of the members and thus an opening of the switch.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, the same is to be taken by way of illustration only and not byway of limitation, the spirit and scope of this invention being limitedonly by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination a switch comprising a first and second contact memberscontaining paramagnetic material said contact members being of elongatedstrip design, each of said contact members having a first free end and asecond fixed end, said first ends of said contact members being normallyin overlapping spaced-apart relationship, and said second end of each ofsaid contact members being fixedly mounted,

an electromagnet positioned adjacent one of said contact members of afirst one of said switches,

a means for intermittently actuating said electromagnet,

a load comprising a voltage multiplying means and a source of potential,said load and said source of potential being connected in series withsaid electrical contact members,

a second one of said switches,

a use means connected in series with said voltage multiplying meansthrough said second one of said switches, and

a rotating magnet for intermittently making and braking electricalcontact between the free ends of said second one of said switches, saidsecond switch being closed prior to said first switch and remainingclosed until after the opening of said first switch.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said use means comprises aplurality of individual use means, and

said second switch means comprises a plurality of individual switches,

and wherein said rotating magnet means intermittently makes and breakselectrical contact in each one of said plurality of switchessuccessively.

3. In an ignition system for internal combustion engines having aninduction coil which has a primary coil and a secondary induction coil,the combination comprising:

a pluralty of individual electrical switch means, each comprising afirst and second contact member containing paramagnetic material, saidcontact members being of elongated strip design, each of said contactmembers having a first free end and a second fixed end, said first freeends of said contact members being normally in overlapping spaced-apartrelationship, and said second end of each of said contact members beingfixedly mounted;

a plurality of individual use means, each said use means connected inseries with said secondary induction coil through a ditferent one ofsaid electrical switch means;

a magnetic actuating means for intermittently closing the contacts ofsaid electrical switch means at predetermined intervals;

, l1 wherein the contacts of one of said electrical switch means areclosed prior to the passage of current through said secondary inductioncoil thereby eliminating arcing across the contacts of said electrical amagnetic second actuating means for intermittently closing and openingthe contacts of said third electrical switch means; and

wherein the contacts of one of said plurality of indiswitch means; and 5vidual third electrical switch means are closed prior wherein saidmagnetic actuating means is a rotating to the closing of the electricalcontacts in said second magnet means in which said magnet passes inclose electrical switch means, thereby preventing arcing proximity toeach of said electrical switch means across the contact terminals ofsaid third electrical successively, thereby closing and opening thecontacts switch means; and

intermittently of each said electrical switch means herein said magneticsecond actuating means comin succession. 4. In an ignition system -forinternal combustion enprises a rotating magnet means which passes inclose proximity to each of said individual third electrical switch meansin succession, thereby causing the contacts to close and openintermittently in each of said switch means in sucvcession.

gines having an induction coil which has a primary coil and a secondaryinduction coil, the combination comprising:

a first electrical circuit comprising a first source of potential; and pa first electrical switch meansconnected in series with said firstsource of potential and said primary coil,

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,240,847 5/ 1941Hildebrecht ZOO-87 a second electrical circuit comprismg a second source2,289,830 7/1942 Ellwood of P tem1a1 2,478,672 8/1949 Smits 315-226 anelectromagnet positioned ad acent sald first electrl- 2,770,697 11/1956Kellen cal Swmh mans; 7 2,781,412 2/1957 Mike 200 -19 a secondelectrical switch means connected 1n series 2 803 720 8/1957 Mason200*87 3 with said second source of potential and said elecv 2:877:3613/1959 Chase i j tromagneti and 1 2,901,672 8/1959 Lauer a- 315-226 afirst actuatlng means for 1nterm1ttently opening and 2 902 558 9/1959Peek 200.87

closing the electrical contacts of said second electrical 290784610/1959 ig 200 87 switch means, thereby permitting current t0 flOW 2 92995 3 19 Shebano; 20

intenmittently 'from said second source of potential 2931021 3/1960Brown so as to intermittently actuate said electromagnet 2973414 2/1961j 200 56 and close the contacts of said first electrical switc-h 29999159/1961 Pfleiderer et i means, thus permitting current to flow from saidfirst 3012116 12/1961 Boylan et a1 source of potential through saidprimary coil; 3046370 7/1962 Adams et a third electrical circuitcomprising a plurality of indi- 35 vidual third electrical switchmeanswherein said first FOREIGN PATENTS electrical switch means and each ofsaid plurality 1,182,298 6/1957 F of individual third electrical switchmeans comprises a first and second contact members containing para-OTHER REFERENCES magnetic material, said contact members being of 40German printed application, Weitzel, 1,095,360, Dec.

elongated strip design, each of said contact members 22, 1960- IBMTechnical Disclosure, page 19, titled Toggle Switch, vol. 4, No. 11,dated April 1962.

DAVID J. GALVIN, Primary Examiner.

BERNARD A. GILHEANY, ROBERT K. SCHAEFER,

Examiners.

JOHN W. HUCKERT, D. BOBECK, D. E. PITCHENIK,

Assistant Examiners.

1. IN COMBINATION A SWITCH COMPRISING A FIRST AND SECOND CONTACT MEMBERSCONTAINING PARAMAGENETIC MATERIAL SAID CONTACT MEMBERS BEING OFELONGATED STRIP DESIGN, EACH OF SAID CONTACT MEMBERS HAVING A FIRST FREEEND AND A SECOND FIXED END, SAID FRIST ENDS OF SAID CONTACT MEMBERSBEING NORMALLY IN OVERLAPPING SPACED-APART RELATIONSHIP, AND SAID SECONDEND OF EACH OF SAID CONTACT MEMBERS BEING FIXEDLY MOUUNTED, ANELECTROMAGNET POSITIONED ADJACENT ONE OF SAID CONTACT MEMBERS OF A FIRSTONE OF SAID SWITCHES, A MEANS FOR INTERMITTENTLY ACTUATING SAIDELECTROMAGNET, A LOAD COMPRISING A VOLTAGE MUULTIPLYING MEANS AND ASOURCE OF POTENTIAL, SAID LOAD AND SAID SOURCE OF POTENTIAL BEINGCONNECTED IN SERIES WITH SAID LECTRICAL CONTACT MEMBERS, A SECOND ONE OFSAID SWITCHES, A USE MEANS CONNECTED IN SERIES WITH SAID VOLTAGEMULTIPLYING MEANS THROUGH SAID SECOND ONE OF SAID SWITCHES, AND AROTATING MAGNET FOR INTERMITTENTLY MAKING AND BRAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACTBETWEEN THE FREE ENDS OF SAID SECOND ONE OF SAID SWITCHES, SAID SECONDSWITCH BEING CLOSED PRIOR TO SAID FIRST SWITCH AND REMAINING CLOSEDUNTIL AFTER THE OPENING OF SAID FIRST SWITCH.